According to Irish sources St. Donnan was a friend and disciple of St. Columba , who followed him from Ireland to Scotland toward the end of the sixth century. Searching for a solitary retreat , he and his companions settled on the island of Eigg, off the west coast of Scotland, then used only to pasture sheep belonging to a local queen. Informed of their arrival, the queen ordered that all should be killed. Her agents, probably a marauding band of Picts, or pirates according to one account, arrived during the celebration of Mass on Easter Eve . Being requested to wait until the service was concluded, they did so, and then St. Donnan and his fifty-one companions were killed. This was in 617.
The church was built in 1963 by the architect Eric Stevenson who camped on the site with his wife, three children and a young assistant and, with the help of locals, erected it themselves.It lies a few yards from the main road, partly hidden in trees.
Stones from the Nostie Burn were used to illustrate Noah, St.Donnan and the Apostles.
Carvings on the Altar base were done by Mr.Stevenson, others by Mrs.Harbord.